Lower body garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a garment that, when worn, can form a womanlike body line and better suppress a manlike body line. This lower body garment 100 comprises a front piece 101 and a rear piece 103. The front piece 101 of the lower body garment 100 comprises a first accommodation part 11 that is provided at a substantially central upper part. The first accommodation part 11 is configured to accommodate a first swelling member 11a.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a lower body garment and especially to a lower body garment for men with gender dysphoria.

BACKGROUND ART

While lower body garments worn on the lower body by men such as boxer shorts and briefs have been available, lower body garments worn by men (e.g., men with gender dysphoria) to make the body appear feminine have been developed in recent years.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses an underwear for making the male sex organ inconspicuous to suppress a masculine body line as such a lower body garment.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [PTL 1] Japanese Laid-Open Publication No. 2017-71886

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Meanwhile, the underwear described in Patent Literature 1 was not comfortable for the wearer due to pulling the penis backwards to make the male sex organ inconspicuous, and could not proactively form a feminine body line.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a garment, which can enhance the effect of suppressing a masculine body line and form a feminine body line when worn.

Solution to Problem

The present invention provides the following items.

(Item 1)

A garment for covering a lower body comprising:

a front body piece; and

a back body piece;

wherein the front body piece comprises a first accommodation section provided at a generally upper middle section, and

wherein the first accommodation section is configured to accommodate a first protrusion member therein.

(Item 2)

A garment for covering a lower body comprising:

a front body piece;

a back body piece; and

a side section provided between the front body piece and the back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side;

wherein the side section comprises a second accommodation section, and

wherein the second accommodation section is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member therein.

(Item 3)

The lower body garment of item 1, comprising a side section between the front body piece and the back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side;

wherein the side section comprises a second accommodation section, and

wherein the second accommodation section is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member therein.

(Item 4)

The lower body garment of any one of items 1 to 3,

wherein the back body piece comprises a third accommodation section, at least on either a left side or a right side, and

wherein the third accommodation section is configured to accommodate a third protrusion member therein.

(Item 5)

The lower body garment of any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the front body piece further comprises a penis suppressing member.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention can obtain a garment, which can enhance the effect of suppressing a masculine body line and form a feminine body line when worn.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a lower body garment 100 accordingly to embodiment 1 of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the lower body garment 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the shape of the lower body garment 100 viewed from direction A (front) of FIG. 1. FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing the shape of the lower body garment 100 viewed from direction B (left and right) of FIG. 1. FIG. 2(c) is a diagram showing the shape of the lower body garment 100 viewed from direction C (back) of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the outer material of the front body piece of the lower body garment 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the front side of the outer material, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing the back side (skin side) of the outer material.

FIG. 4 shows a comparison of the lower body garment 100 of the invention and a conventional lower body garment 100 a. FIGS. 4(a) and 4(c) are a perspective view and a side view of the lower body garment 100 of the invention, respectively. FIGS. 4(b) and 4(d) are a perspective view and a side view of the conventional lower body garment 100 a, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described hereinafter. The terms used herein should also be understood as being used in the meaning that is commonly used in the art, unless specifically noted otherwise. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all terminologies and scientific technical terms that are used herein have the same meaning as the general understanding of those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. In case of a contradiction, the present specification (including the definitions) takes precedence.

As used herein, “about” refers to a range of ±10% from the number that is described subsequent to “about”.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a garment, which can enhance the effect of suppressing a masculine body line and form a feminine body line when worn. The objective was achieved by providing

a garment for covering a lower body comprising: a front body piece; and a back body piece;

wherein the front body piece comprises a first accommodation section provided at a generally upper middle section, and

wherein the first accommodation section is configured to accommodate a first protrusion member therein.

The present invention also achieved the objective by providing

a garment for covering a lower body comprising: a front body piece; a back body piece; and a side section between the front body piece and the back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side;

wherein the side section comprises a second accommodation section, and

wherein the second accommodation section is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member therein.

Specifically, the lower body garment of the invention can alleviate the outward impression of a bulge of a male sex organ and suppress a masculine body line when worn by comprising a first accommodation section that is configured to accommodate a first protrusion member at a generally upper middle section of a front body piece. The lower body garment of the invention also makes the size of the lower waist section appear larger by comprising a side section between the front body piece and the back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side, and comprising second accommodation section that is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member at the side section. Thereby, the body line around the pelvis that is characteristic to women can be mimicked.

Thus in one embodiment, if the lower body garment of the invention comprises a first accommodation section provided at a generally upper middle section of a front body piece, and the first accommodation section is configured to accommodate a first protrusion member therein, other parts can have any configuration.

Thus, a lower body garment can be in any form. Examples thereof include boxer shorts, briefs, shorts, and the like. Preferred embodiments include shorts, which can readily form a feminine body line.

The first protrusion member of the invention is a member accommodated in an accommodation section provided at a generally upper middle section of a front body piece of a lower body garment for filling in a difference in levels generated between a bulge of a male sex organ and a portion in vicinity thereof when the lower body garment is worn.

The first protrusion member can have any form of shape or size, as long as the difference in levels from a bulge of a male sex organ formed with the portion in vicinity thereof can be filled in. Examples thereof include a generally rectangular shape (see, for example, the first protrusion member 11 a described in FIG. 2), generally planar shape, generally disc shape, generally elliptical disc shape, generally cuboid shape, generally spherical shape, and the like.

The material of the first protrusion member can be any material. Examples thereof include materials with low elasticity such as resin and nonwoven fabric and materials with high elasticity such as rubber and urethane sponge material. The first protrusion member can be a cushion member prepared by enclosing a urethane sponge material in a fabric with a high stretch ratio, or a material prepared by enclosing a nonwoven fabric or the like in the fabric with a high stretch ratio.

The first accommodation section of the invention is provided at a generally upper middle section of a front body piece and is configured to accommodate a first protrusion member. In the present invention, a region where a male sex organ is positioned when a lower body garment is worn is referred to as a generally middle section of a front body piece. Thus, a generally upper middle section of a front body piece refers to a section above a region where a male sex organ is positioned when a lower body garment is worn.

The shape and size of the first accommodation section can be in any form in accordance with the shape and size of a first protrusion member accommodated therein. For example, the shape of the first accommodation section can be a generally rectangular shape, generally trapezoidal shape, generally inverted trapezoidal shape (see, for example, the first accommodation section 11 in FIGS. 2 and 3), generally circular shape, generally elliptical shape, or the like. Furthermore, a first accommodation section can be sealed while accommodating a first protrusion member therein, or have a first opening. In a preferred embodiment, a first accommodation section has a first opening. A first protrusion member can be exchanged by having an opening.

The material of a front body piece and a back body piece can be in any form. The body pieces can comprise only an outer material, comprise an outer material and an inner material, or comprise a decorative fabric on the outer side of an outer material.

For example, the material used in a front body piece and a back body piece (outer material and/or inner material) is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include fabrics comprising fibers of polyester, polyurethane, cotton, nylon, silk, rayon, hemp, wool, or any combination thereof.

While the stretch ratio of an outer material and inner material is not particularly limited, the stretch ratio in a preferred embodiment is in the range of about 150% to about 250%, which is the stretch ratio of generally available fabrics.

The material of an outer material and/or inner material can be the same or different for a front body piece and a back body piece.

As used herein, “stretch ratio of member A is X %” refers to the stretch ratio (%), which is the ratio of the total length at maximum extension (without rupture of the member) to the original length of member A, upon pulling on the member A.

If the lower body garment of the invention comprises a side section between a front body piece and a back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side, and is configured to comprise a second accommodation section that is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member at the side section, other parts can have any configuration.

A side section connects a front body piece and a back body piece. A side section can be provided on either a left side or a right side, or on both left and right sides.

The second protrusion member of the invention is a member, which is accommodated in an accommodation section provided on a side section between a front body piece and a back body piece, and increases the size of a lower waist section when a lower body garment is worn, thereby mimicking the body line around the pelvis that is characteristic to women.

The shape and size of a second accommodation section can be of any form such as a generally rectangular shape (see, for example, the second protrusion member 12 a in FIG. 2), generally planar shape, generally disc shape, generally elliptical disc shape, generally cuboid shape, or generally spherical shape.

Any material can be used as the material of a second protrusion member. For example, the material can be a rigid material (material with low elasticity such as resin, silicon, or nonwoven fabric) or an elastic material (material with high elasticity such as rubber or urethane sponge material). The second protrusion member can be a cushion member prepared by enclosing a urethane sponge material in a fabric with a high stretch ratio, or a member prepared by enclosing a nonwoven fabric or the like in a fabric with a high stretch ratio.

The shape and size of the second accommodation section can be in any form in accordance with the shape and size of a second protrusion member accommodated therein. For example, the shape of the second accommodation section can be a generally rectangular shape (see, for example, the second accommodation section 12 in FIG. 2), generally trapezoidal shape, generally inverted trapezoidal shape, generally circular shape, generally elliptical shape, or the like. Furthermore, a second accommodation section can be sealed while accommodating a second protrusion member therein, or have a second opening. In a preferred embodiment, a second accommodation section has a second opening. A second protrusion member can be exchanged by having an opening.

The material of a side section can be in any form. The material can comprise only an outer material, or comprise an outer material and an inner material. The material of a side section (outer material and/or inner material) is not particularly limited. Examples thereof include fabrics comprising fibers of polyester, polyurethane, cotton, nylon, silk, rayon, hemp, wool, or any combination thereof.

The stretch ratio of a fabric used at a side section is not particularly limited. In a preferred embodiment, the stretch ratio is in the range of about 150% to about 250%, which is the stretch ratio of generally available fabrics.

The materials of an outer material and inner material can be the same or different for a side section.

The lower body garment of the invention can further comprise a third accommodation section, which is configured to accommodate a third protrusion member at least on either the left or right side of a back body piece.

A third protrusion member is a member that increases the size of the buttocks when a lower body garment is worn and therefore forms a body line around the hip that is characteristic to women by being accommodated in a third accommodation section.

The shape and size of a third protrusion member can be of any form such as a generally rectangular shape, generally planar shape, generally disc shape, generally elliptical disc shape (see, for example, the third protrusion member 13 a in FIG. 2), generally cuboid shape, or generally spherical shape.

Any material can be used as the material of a third protrusion member. For example, the material can be a rigid material (material with low elasticity such as resin, silicon, or nonwoven fabric) or an elastic material (highly elastic material such as rubber or urethane sponge material). In a preferred embodiment, the material of a third protrusion member is, but not limited to, a cushion member prepared by enclosing a urethane sponge material in a fabric with a high stretch ratio. For example, the material is prepared by enclosing a nonwoven fabric or the like in a fabric with a high stretch ratio.

By using an elastic material for the third protrusion member, the protrusion member contracts when seated and protrudes when standing. Thus, a body line similar to the actual movement of the buttocks can be formed.

The shape and size of the third accommodation section can be in any form in accordance with the shape and size of a third protrusion member accommodated therein. For example, the shape of the third accommodation section can be a generally rectangular shape, generally trapezoidal shape, generally inverted trapezoidal shape, generally circular shape, generally elliptical shape (see, for example, the third accommodation section 13 described in FIG. 2), or the like. Furthermore, a third accommodation section can be sealed while accommodating a third protrusion member therein, or have a third opening. In a preferred embodiment, a third accommodation section has a third opening. A third protrusion member can be exchanged by having an opening.

The lower body garment of the invention can be further provided, on a front body piece, with a suppression member for suppressing an outward impression of a bulge of a penis when worn in a manner that the penis would be oriented upwards.

Any material can be used for the suppression member, as long as an outward impression of a bulge of a penis can be suppressed. For example, the material is a fabric with a higher stretch ratio than that of an inner material or outer material of a front body piece. A bulge of a male sex organ (especially the penis) can be pressed against the skin side when worn by using a fabric with a high stretch ratio for the suppression member.

In a preferred embodiment, the stretch ratio of a suppression member is about 200 to about 300%. By using a suppression member with a stretch ratio in this range, a penis can be pressed against the skin at a suitable force without excessive compression. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

A suppression member can be in any form. For example, a suppression member can be provided at a size and position that would cover the entire penis or at a size and position that would cover a portion of the penis when worn. In a preferred embodiment, a suppression member is band-like, and is provided at a position to cover only the tip of the penis when worn in a manner that the penis would be oriented upwards. This can suppress excessive compression of a penis and enhance the comfort of a wearer while sufficiently suppressing an outward impression of a bulge of a male sex organ.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a perspective view for explaining a lower body garment 100 accordingly to embodiment 1 of the invention.

The lower body garment 100 is an underwear (shorts) for men with gender dysphoria. The garment has a structure for suppressing a body line that is characteristic to men involving a bulge in appearance of a male sex organ at the crotch region when worn by men and forming a feminine body line.

Specifically, the lower body garment 100 comprises a front body piece 101, a back body piece 103, and a side section 102, and an underwear section 120 is formed by joining them together. The lower body garment 100 further has a waist stretching section 111. The waist stretching section 111 is an annular stretchable band, which is attached to the top edge of the underwear section 120 and fits tightly around the waist of body Bd with an elastic force of an elastic member such as rubber to retain the underwear section 120 so that the underwear section 120 does not slide off from the wearing position with respect to the body Bd. The front body piece 101 comprises an outer material 10 and a decorative fabric 20 on the outer side of the outer material 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the lower body garment 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2(a) shows the shape of the lower body garment 100 viewed from direction A (front) of FIG. 1. FIG. 2(b) shows the shape of the lower body garment 100 viewed from direction B (left and right direction) of FIG. 1. FIG. 2(c) shows the shape of the lower body garment 100 viewed from direction C (back) of FIG. 1.

The front body piece 101, the side section 102, and the back body piece 103 in the lower body garment 100 are each comprised of the same type of fabric (outer material) with a stretch ratio of about 200%. The underwear section 120 is formed by joining each outer material together by stitching.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the front body piece 101 comprises the outer material 10 and the decorative fabric 20 on the outer side of the outer material 10. A lower body garment can be made to look more feminine by comprising the decorative member 20. The outer material 10 has a horizontally long and generally inverted trapezoidal first accommodation section 11 extending to the left and right at a generally upper middle section on the back side thereof. The first accommodation section 11 accommodates a generally rectangular first protrusion member 11 a extending to left and right.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the outer material of the front body piece of the lower body garment 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3(a) shows the front side of the outer material, and FIG. 3(b) shows the back side (skin side) of the outer material. The outer material 10 has an outer material main body 15 and horizontally long and generally inverted trapezoidal first accommodation section 11 provided at a generally upper middle section thereof, as well as a band-like suppression member 18 extending to left and right at a lower section of the first accommodation section 11. A cushion member prepared by enclosing a urethane sponge material in a fabric with a high stretch ratio is used for the first protrusion member 11 a. The first protrusion member 11 a is accommodated in the first accommodation section 11. A first opening 11 b is provided so that the first protrusion member 11 a can be exchanged.

Alleviation of a difference in levels from a bulge of a male sex organ formed with the portion in vicinity thereof when worn by providing the first accommodation section 11 for accommodating the first protrusion member 11 a at a generally upper middle section in this manner makes an outward impression of the presence of a male sex organ become inconspicuous. As a result a masculine body line can be suppressed. Further, the position of a male sex organ is the same as the position when a normal lower body underwear is worn, so that comfort of a wearer is maintained. Since a male sex organ is essentially located at a section below the first accommodation section 11, an accommodation section for a protrusion member is not disposed at a generally lower middle region below the first accommodation section 11.

The band-like suppression member 18 is a fabric with a high stretch ratio of about 300% comprising polyurethane. By providing the suppression member 18 consisting of a fabric with a high stretch ratio, a penis is pressed against the skin by stretching of the suppression member when worn in a manner that a penis of a male sex organ is accommodated to be orientated upwards. As a result, the outward impression of a bulge of a male sex organ is suppressed so that a masculine body line when worn can be suppressed. By using a band-like suppression member, the range that presses down the penis can be reduced to prevent excessive compression, so that comfort of the wearer can be enhanced. Similarly, a stretch ratio of a suppression member of about 300% can prevent excessive compression to enhance the comfort of the wearer.

As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (b), the lower body garment 101 comprises the side sections 102 between the front body piece 101 and the back body piece 103 on both left and right sides. The side sections 102 on both sides each have a second accommodation section 12. The second accommodation sections 12 each accommodate a generally rectangular second protrusion member 12 a. A cushion member prepared by enclosing a urethane sponge material in a fabric with a high stretch ratio is used for the second protrusion member 12 a. A second opening 12 b is provided to the second accommodation section 12 so that the second protrusion member 12 a can be exchanged.

FIG. 4 shows a comparison of the lower body garment 100 of the invention and a conventional lower body garment 100 a. FIGS. 4(a) and 4(c) are a perspective view and a side view of the lower body garment 100 of the invention, respectively. FIGS. 4(b) and 4(d) are a perspective view and a side view of the conventional lower body garment 100 a, respectively.

The size around the lower waist section increases as shown in FIG. 4 (see the Ra portion in FIG. 4(a) and Rb portion in FIG. 4(b)) by comprising the second accommodation section 12 for accommodating the second protrusion member 12 a at a side section. As a result, a body line around the pelvis that is characteristic to women can be formed.

As shown in FIG. 2(c), the back body piece 103 has a third accommodation section 13 on both sides, and a generally elliptical disc third protrusion member 13 a is accommodated in the third accommodation sections 13. A cushion member prepared by enclosing a urethane sponge material in a fabric with a high stretch ratio is used for the third protrusion member 13 a. A third opening 13 b is provided to the third accommodation section 13 so that the third protrusion member 13 a can be placed and withdrawn and exchanged.

In this manner, the size of the buttocks can be increased by providing a third accommodation section for accommodating a third protrusion member at the back body piece 103. This allows formation of a body line around the hip that is characteristic to women.

As disclosed above, the present invention is exemplified by the use of its preferred embodiments. However, the present invention should not be interpreted to be limited to such embodiments. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be interpreted based solely on the claims. It is understood that an equivalent scope can be practiced by those skilled in the art based on the descriptions of the present invention and common general knowledge from the specific descriptions in the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is also understood that any references cited herein should be incorporated herein by reference in the same manner as the contents are specifically described herein.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is useful as an invention that can provide a garment, which can enhance the effect of suppressing a masculine body line and form a feminine body line when worn.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   10 Outer material -   11 First accommodation section -   11 a First protrusion member -   12 Second accommodation section -   12 a Second protrusion member -   13 Third accommodation section -   13 a Third protrusion member -   100 Lower body garment -   101 Front body piece -   102 Side section -   103 Back body piece 

1. A garment for covering a lower body comprising: a front body piece; and a back body piece; wherein the front body piece comprises a first accommodation section provided at a generally upper middle section, and wherein the first accommodation section is configured to accommodate a first protrusion member therein.
 2. A garment for covering a lower body comprising: a front body piece; a back body piece; and a side section provided between the front body piece and the back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side; wherein the side section comprises a second accommodation section, and wherein the second accommodation section is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member therein.
 3. The lower body garment of claim 1, comprising a side section between the front body piece and the back body piece, at least on either a left side or a right side; wherein the side section comprises a second accommodation section, and wherein the second accommodation section is configured to accommodate a second protrusion member therein.
 4. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the back body piece comprises a third accommodation section, at least on either a left side or a right side, and wherein the third accommodation section is configured to accommodate a third protrusion member therein.
 5. The lower body garment of claim 1, wherein the front body piece further comprises a penis suppressing member. 